It’s a few weeks into the new year and you’re still doing great on your resolution to
drop a few pounds.
You’re eating more fruit, vegetables and lean meats, you’re exercising more and
you’re even journaling about your new slim down plans, but you still feel like
something is missing, something more you can do to make it (dieting) go easier,
and you’re right.

That something that’s missing is tweaking a few things in your kitchen like turning
your refrigerator, counters and cupboards into allies that can also help you shed
those unwanted pounds, so continue reading and get those slim-down hack secrets.

a) Kitchen Hack No. 1-
Use Aluminum Foil!
Seeing your kid’s snacks or hubby’s favorite Ice cream only makes them more tempting
to you and to lessen those temptations wrap up those Oreos, pints of Chunky Monkey
and even leftover pizza in aluminum foil and then put them away in the freezer, cupboard
and pantry. Out of sight really does equal out of mind.
Handy tip: No aluminum foil? Use any opaque container, think cookie jars, tins, and
canisters.

b) Kitchen Hack No. 2-
More Counter Space!
If you leave cereal, candy, soda and other snacks on the counter, guess what happens?
You’ll constantly be tempted to reach for them. Plus, some people who study
clutter say that messy spaces and countertops may be causing you stress which then
leads to snacking to relieve that stress. So, to avoid temptation and less snacking,
put soda, cereal, candy and other snacks in the cabinets and pantry.
What should you leave on the countertops?
A bowl of fruit, bottles of water and a blender (to remind you to make smoothies),
anything that encourages your efforts to lose weight.

Kitchen Hack No. 3-
Clean Up The Kitchen!
In addition to the countertops, some researchers say that it’s not a good idea to leave
dirty dishes piled high in the sink, toys on the floor or clothes in the corners.
They (the researchers) say that living among chaos and clutter only leaves you stressed
and again, far too many of us eat as a way to cope with stress.
Your Rx: It may not be possible to keep the kitchen spotless at all times, but
ask family members to chip in to keep it as clean as possible.

Kitchen Hack No. 4-
c) No Television Please-
It’s convenient and it’s the only time you’ll be able to catch the news, but having a television
on doesn’t allow you to really look at or enjoy your food. Plus, negativity from news or a crime
drama may raise your stress levels (cortisol) and many people deal with stress, by eating more.
Your Rx: Sit down, relax, savor your meal, chew more slowly and after 15 to 25 mins.
you can head to the den or living room and watch whatever you like.

Kitchen Hack No. 5-
d) Air Fresheners-
Plug in a floral room deodorizer or make your own natural scented deodorizer
and place it on the windowsill or countertop. Believe it or not, a fruity or floral
scent will decrease your appetite. How?
The scents from a deodorizer and food clash causing you to lose your appetite.
Tip: To make your own all-natural deodorizer- go to youtube.com and type how to make
natural deodorizers or potpourri.

Kitchen Hack No. 6-
e) Rearrange The Refrigerator-
You’re three times more likely to eat the first food you see than the fifth, so place ready-to-
eat vegetables on the center shelf of your refrigerator, where they’re right at eye level
and easy to grab when hunger strikes. People who did this trick reported that they ate
3 times as many fruits and vegetables as they did the week before.
Another tip: Have any glass-paned cupboards? Use those for dishes or stemware, and
not for storing bags of potato chips, Oreos or Pop-Tarts.
Seeing dishes and stemware and not snacks will do wonders for your waistline.

That’s it- 6 easy hacks to help you slim down for the New Year.

Sources:
* Brian Wansink, Ph.D. author of Slim by Design
* Cornell University Food and Brand Lab
* Declutter Queen, Marie Kondo
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